Getting lost in the alleyways of Kyoto. Eating sweet, salty umami at a Tokyo countertop. No two trips to Japan are ever the same, which is why Traveler contributor Sofia "Chufy" Sanchez de Betak keeps returning. In fact, her latest designs for Chufy and The Luxury Collection, her travel-inspired line of ready-to-wear, accessories, and jewelry in partnership with the Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, draws inspiration from her travels there. “I fell in love with the culture of Japan when I visited for the first time five years ago," says de Betak. "The attention to detail and sophistication there is above all others.”

Made up of 36 limited-edition pieces, the collection is a contemporary take on the history and heritage of Japanese culture, using traditional silks and silhouettes to showcase iconic Japanese motifs like dragons, cherry blossoms, and Koinobori fish. Designs include kimono-style wraps and floaty, wide-legged pants in shades of deep orange, bright yellow, persimmon and dusty rose, and many of the patterns are influenced by vintage Japanese fabrics and antique matchboxes collected by de Betak during her travels. "I love wearing kimonos, in all of their different shapes and styles. The problem is that every time I find one I love, it's either too long, or too heavy, which is why I wanted this collection to be traditional, but at the same time more lively and wearable."

So, how did she find her inspiration? “Get lost! Japan is extremely safe—don't just follow your GPS or a friend's recommendations—look for your own path.” And, of course, the cherry blossoms, says de Betak: "They had so much influence on my collection that I named my daughter after them."

Here, de Betak shares her advice for anyone planning their next trip.

Where to Stay

"The Luxury Collection hotels are such unique and cherished expressions of their locations. Both

Suiran, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto in Kyoto have impeccable service, amazing locations, and had beautiful kimonos waiting for me in my room upon arrival—I ended up wearing each lovely garment throughout my travels. I love sticking to one brand of hotels while I'm traveling, as it makes transitioning between locations easier and you know what to expect. The Prince Gallery is very conveniently located next to the Imperial Palace, as well as short drive to the famous Takeshita Dori. Suiran sits by the river, an idyllic location right next to the bamboo forests and close to the main temples."

Sofia Sanchez de Betak at the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo wearing a kimono from her room at The Prince Gallery.

Where to Shop

"TokyuHands in Shinjuku, Tokyo. I could spend an entire day there—you can find anything and everything. Mandarake Shibuya in Tokyo has all sorts of collectible items, from monsters and books to Indie movies, and Cow Books in Nakameguro, Tokyo has a great selection of literature. Unby Store is cool for hardware tools and supplies, and Kappabashi-dori in Tokyo between Ueno, and Asakusa is an entire neighborhood for kitchen supplies—pots, knives, you name it! Shiga Prefecture near Kyoto is for ceramics. [I also collect] a lot of matchboxes from bars and restaurants—I bought a gorgeous vintage collection of matchboxes [on this trip], which is where I got a lot of ideas from."

Where to Eat

"I love doing a lot of research, and going to restaurants that have won prestigious awards, but in order to get a table in those places you normally need to book months in advance, which unfortunately is rarely an option for me, since my trips tend to be more last minute. Instead, I end up walking around and exploring the area, walking down different alleys, and opening random doors until I find the best gems! I stumbled upon Midnight Cafe, 528 on Yamato Oji Dori in Kyoto—a wonderful place to stop for a bite."

Inside a pottery shop in Kyoto, where de Betak and her husband experienced the Surian's arts and crafts experience class that can be arranged for guests.

Go Off Grid

"I've been to Japan four or five times and on this last visit I focused on having fun. As I'd already done most of the museums, temples and iconic sights, I decided to do more creative and off-the-grid things, such as visiting the electronics neighborhood, or shopping for kitchen utensils. You end up understanding a lot more the local culture that way."